Garba Shehu Atiku betrayal claims denied ahead of book launch, says Buhari campaign was a united media effort after APC primaries in 2014
Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has denied claims that he betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by joining Muhammadu Buhari’s media team in 2015.
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Speaking ahead of his upcoming book release, Shehu offered an emotional defence of his actions, explaining that his decision to work with Buhari stemmed from political developments beyond his control.
Shehu addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday during a press briefing to preview his book, According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience, scheduled for release on 9 July.
He said it was inaccurate to frame his career move as a betrayal of Atiku, whom he had previously served as a media aide.
According to Shehu, his transition to Buhari’s campaign team followed the outcome of the All Progressives Congress presidential primaries in 2014.
“All the aspirants, including Atiku, Rochas Okorocha, Kwankwaso, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, contributed their media assets to the Buhari campaign. I was part of that pool,” he said.
He explained that Buhari later appointed him as the campaign’s media director, and he viewed the opportunity as a continuation of the collective APC project rather than a personal defection.
“The President had the grace to appoint me as campaign media director. That’s how I came on board,” he said.
Responding to accusations that he deliberately kept silent or distanced himself from Atiku during the Buhari presidency, Shehu insisted that he remained neutral out of principle.
“If I had attacked Atiku, how would Buhari trust me? He would assume I could do the same to him one day,” he noted.
He added that public office demands a level of discipline and ethical restraint that people often overlook.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, he referenced the rift between MKO Abiola and Ibrahim Babangida, asking, “Even during the fallout between Abiola and IBB, did you hear the presidential spokesman vilify Abiola?”
Shehu clarified that his new book is not a personal memoir but rather a guidebook for young journalists and communications professionals.
“The book is meant to inspire students and professionals in journalism and PR. It also tells the story of what President Buhari did during his eight years in office — his policies, his character, and how he governed,” he explained.
He highlighted that the 260-page volume offers insights into key initiatives introduced under Buhari’s administration, including the Treasury Single Account, Bank Verification Number, National Identification Number, and the whistleblower policy.
“These policies were put in place to make government more transparent and accountable. They laid the foundation for a more self-reliant Nigeria,” Shehu said.
He added that while the book cannot capture the entirety of the Buhari era, it does aim to present a truthful and informative record of decisions that shaped the administration’s legacy.
When asked about his relationship with Atiku today, Shehu avoided political speculation but reaffirmed his respect for the former vice president.
“I still hold him in high regard. But political decisions sometimes come from broader party arrangements, not personal choices,” he said.
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As anticipation builds ahead of the book launch, Shehu hopes the work will not only clear misconceptions about his political journey but also serve as a source of knowledge for future professionals in government communication.
